Riemer den Ouden's work invites us to step away from daily reality and enter a world where light, color and emotion take center stage.
In this interview Riemer den Ouden reflects on his inspiration, the stories behind his work and the power of to connect people.
ArtDependence (AD): How does your work reflect your view of the world right now?
Riemer den Ouden (RdO): I think it depends on the painting, I have paintings where I paint stories that show human emotions. That's from the world we live in, but also the world how it was. Other paintings focus more in terms of atmosphere, without it being literally clear in the subject, loneliness or melancholy. Those are feelings we all have. Maybe all my works serve as a comfort, beauty in response to the world and human feelings.
AD: What role do you think art plays in connecting people today?
RdO: Recognition of feelings and emotions. Precisely by painting subjects universally and openly, everyone can recognize themselves or his/her emotions. It is also interesting to see how one work can trigger different emotions on people.
Riemer den Ouden, Youngster with Horse, 2025
AD: Can you tell us the story behind your paintings ?
RdO: As I explained earlier, my paintings make viewers disappear from everyday life for a moment. Experiencing light in an abandoned room, the bright colors of flowers, or the fairytale atmosphere of a youngster with horse. All pleasant subjects that color the world more beautifully. That is why, in addition to these subjects, in my paintings I also emphasize the rhythm, the paint, and the bright colors. Because those are by definition visual aspects that are pleasant and interesting to look at, if executed clearly, do not refer to unpleasant things, but that you can look at longer. It's a game between painting and image. How can you evoke a pleasant image with pleasant strokes, or rhythmic keys
AD: What message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from your art?
RdO: That they can disappear for a moment in the world that the painting suggests and summons.
AD: What inspired you to take part in the Art to Collect project?
RdO: I like to show my work to a lot of people, and Art to Collect is a forum that does just that.
Main Image: Riemer den Ouden, Waiting Room, 2023